Honeymooning In Hawaii: The True Cost Breakdown

what does it really cost to honeymoon in hawaii

Hawaii is a popular honeymoon destination, with its beautiful views, white sandy beaches, and year-round perfect weather. However, planning a honeymoon can be stressful, especially when trying to stick to a budget. The cost of a honeymoon in Hawaii depends on various factors, such as the time of year, length of stay, accommodation type, and activities. This article will provide an overview of the costs associated with honeymooning in Hawaii and offer tips for creating a realistic budget without compromising on quality.

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The average cost of a honeymoon in Hawaii

The average cost of a honeymoon in 2024 was $5,300, according to The Knot Real Weddings Study. This figure is in addition to the average cost of a wedding, which is $33,000. However, it's important to note that the cost of a honeymoon varies depending on several factors, such as the destination, time of year, length of stay, and accommodations.

For a honeymoon in Hawaii, there are a few ways to save money. Firstly, accommodation can be a large expense, but there are options to suit different budgets. Luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts can be expensive, but there are also budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals available. Camping is another affordable option, with many campsites costing less than hotel resort fees.

Transportation is another cost to consider. Renting a car for the duration of your stay can be more cost-effective than renting on a daily basis. Additionally, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are available in Hawaii. If you're looking to visit multiple islands, you can take a ferry or fly between them, with some airlines offering cheaper rates.

Food and drinks can also add up quickly. Eating out in Hawaii is generally expensive due to the remote location, but there are ways to save money. Happy hours at restaurants and bars offer discounted drinks and appetizers. Food trucks and grocery stores are also great options for cheaper meals, especially for those with dietary restrictions or specific preferences.

Activities and excursions can enhance your honeymoon experience but can also increase costs. Hawaii offers a range of experiences, from snorkelling and surf lessons to hiking and boat tours. To save money, consider free or low-cost activities, such as enjoying the beaches and exploring nature.

By combining strategic choices and considering your priorities, it is possible to have a memorable honeymoon in Hawaii while staying within your budget.

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Saving money on accommodation

If you are an adventurous couple, camping is a great way to save money, with many campsites costing less than a hotel resort fee. Glamping is also an option if you want to upgrade your camping experience. Vacation rentals are, on average, 10% cheaper than hotels per night, and you can avoid extra hotel costs like resort fees and parking, which can add up to $70 per night.

If you are looking for a hotel, there are budget options available. For example, the Lahaina Inn is approximately $150 per night and allows access to its sister resort, Royal Lahaina, which has a beach. There are also gorgeous hotels for $200 a night, and $500-700 a night if you want to splurge.

If you are staying for a week or more, it is worth renting a car for the whole week, as this will be cheaper than a shorter rental. You can also save money by avoiding island hopping, as this can be costly and time-consuming.

Finally, consider travelling in the off-peak season, as February and March are the cheapest times to visit Hawaii.

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Saving money on food and drink

  • Eating out in Hawaii can be expensive due to the high costs of importing food to the islands. To save money, consider buying groceries and preparing some meals yourself. Packing your own food can be especially helpful if you have dietary restrictions that limit your dining options.
  • Take advantage of happy hours at bars and restaurants to enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers. This is a great way to sample some of the local cuisine without breaking the bank.
  • If you're a fan of poke, instead of ordering it as an appetizer at a restaurant, head to the food counter at a grocery store like Foodland, where you can often find it for a lower price.
  • Food trucks are another great option for cheap eats. In Maui, there's a food truck park near Costco that's popular for its affordable and delicious food.
  • If you want to dine out at nice restaurants, consider going for lunch instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus, allowing you to enjoy the same great food at a more affordable price.
  • If you plan to visit multiple islands, be mindful that eating out on some islands, like Kauai, may be more expensive due to their remote nature and limited options.
  • When booking your accommodation, consider choosing a place that includes breakfast or kitchen facilities. Having access to a kitchen will give you more flexibility in preparing your own meals and saving on dining out for every meal.
  • If you're adventurous and want to save on accommodation costs, consider camping for part of your trip. Campsites in Hawaii can be more affordable than resort fees and hotel prices.
  • Finally, if you plan to drink alcohol, buying drinks at a store and enjoying them in your room or at the beach can be more cost-effective than purchasing drinks at bars and restaurants.

By following these tips and being mindful of your food and drink choices, you can significantly reduce your expenses and stretch your honeymoon budget further in Hawaii.

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Saving money on transport

If you want to stick to one island, you can save money on car rentals by booking for a whole week. This will also ensure you get to see more of the island. If you're staying in a city, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are available.

If you're flying to Hawaii, shop around for the best deals on flights. Southwest Airlines is recommended for cheap flights and maximizing your point-earning ability. It's also worth checking out low-fare calendars and bearing in mind that September can be a cheap time to fly. Connecting flights can also save you money.

If you're adventurous, you could even consider camping for part of your honeymoon. Many campsites in Hawaii cost less than hotel resort fees.

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Activities and experiences

There are a plethora of activities and experiences to indulge in on a Hawaiian honeymoon. The Hawaiian islands are known for their year-round perfect weather, beautiful views, and white sandy beaches. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Island Hopping

If you have more than five days in Hawaii, you might want to consider island hopping to explore multiple islands and their unique attractions. A ferry runs from Maui to Lanai for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at the affordable cost of $30 per person. Alternatively, you can fly between islands using airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or Princeville Air.

Outdoor Adventures

For outdoor enthusiasts, Hawaii offers a range of natural wonders to explore. The Na Pali coast and Waimea Canyon in Kauai are highly recommended for their beauty. Kauai is also ideal for hiking and offers a range of camping options for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Cultural Experiences

Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage, and one way to immerse yourself in it is by attending a luau. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that often includes music, dancing, and Hawaiian cuisine. You can also experience the tradition of a Hawaii lei greeting at the airport, where you will be welcomed with a garland of flowers.

Beach Relaxation

Hawaii's beaches are renowned for their beauty and offer the perfect setting for relaxation. The typical cost for two people to stay in Maui ranges from $2500 to $350 per night for beachfront access. If you're on a budget, consider the Lahaina Inn, which allows access to its sister resort, Royal Lahaina, for approximately $150 per night.

Dining and Happy Hours

Dining out in Hawaii can be expensive, but there are ways to enjoy the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Consider purchasing food from grocery stores or food trucks, which offer cheaper options like poke bowls. Take advantage of happy hours at restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers, such as $4 Mai Tais.

Water Activities

Hawaii is known for its water-based activities, such as snorkelling tours and surf lessons. These activities can add to the cost of your trip, but they offer a unique experience and a chance to explore the ocean.

Frequently asked questions

The average cost of a honeymoon in Hawaii depends on a variety of factors, such as the time of year, length of stay, and choice of accommodation. Based on an internal study of nearly 17,000 couples who got married in 2024, the average cost of a honeymoon was $5,300. However, this number can vary depending on the specific choices made during the trip.

Here are some strategies to consider when honeymooning in Hawaii on a budget:

- Opt for budget-friendly accommodations: Choose vacation rentals or budget hotels instead of resorts. Vacation rentals can offer significant savings compared to hotels, and some budget hotels provide access to beaches and amenities at a lower cost.

- Take advantage of free and cheap activities: Enjoy the beaches, go hiking, or participate in free or low-cost activities like happy hours, food trucks, and grocery store meals.

- Plan your transportation wisely: Consider renting a car for the week, as it can be more cost-effective than paying for multiple shorter rentals. Additionally, look for cheap flights or take advantage of inter-island ferries, which offer stunning views at an affordable price.

- Choose the right time to visit: The cheapest months to visit Hawaii are typically February and March, while December and January tend to be the most expensive.

The budget for a honeymoon in Hawaii can vary depending on individual preferences and spending habits. Based on various sources and testimonials, a realistic budget for a Hawaii honeymoon could range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more, excluding airfare. It is important to consider your specific needs and priorities when creating your budget.

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